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It’s still decidedly wintry outside so use it as an excuse to nestle down with some intriguing-looking new Netflix shows until the sun decides to make an overdue appearance. We’re counting down the days for The Keepers to start.
May also brings music from three of R29's female favourites, Angel Olsen, Lana Del Rey and Marika Hackman, and there are some exciting art shows to keep you out of the pub on the two bank holidays that May boasts.
Scroll through to check out what R29 staffers are most excited about coming up in May. Never complain of being bored again.
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Georgia Murray, Fashion & Beauty Writer
Angel OlsenUK tour , from 18th May
I'm a sucker for strong women with lairy guitars, and Angel Olsen is set to be a real treat. Her third and most recent album, My Woman, is witty, hopeful and fragile perfection, so I can't wait to see her perform it live. A meditation on love, losing it, and the moves you'll make to keep it, her lyrics are as sharp as they are catchy: "Stop pretending I'm not there / When it's clear I'm not going anywhere". Shred it, Angel.
The Keepers, Netflix, May 19th
I love to binge – food, podcasts, TV – so since I waved goodbye to S-Town 's John B. and Bibb County, there's been a hole in my life ready to be filled. Enter The Keepers. Promoted with the chilling tagline "Who killed Sister Cathy?", the story is centred on the mysterious 1969 murder of a 26-year-old nun who may have known too much about the goings on of the church... See you the other side of the weekend with theories aplenty.
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Gillian Orr, Senior Editor
Pond, The Weather, 5th May
I've been one of Pond's biggest fans ever since I caught them play at SXSW in 2012. The Australian foursome is one of the most thrilling bands you can watch live and their records are just as weird, trippy, fun and affecting as their performances. They're particularly prolific; The Weather, produced by Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, will be their seventh album in eight years. Get a taster here.
Miss Sloane, in cinemas 12th May
I'd quite possibly watch the fantastic Jessica Chastain play a sandwich, but an obsessive Washington lobbyist? Sign me up. The film – dismissed by some as "gun control propaganda" – might have spectacularly tanked at the US box office (the 75th worst opening weekend since 1982 has to hurt) but I'm still going to give it a go when it comes out later this month.
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Jess Commons, Health & Living Editor
Bloodline Season 3 on Netflix, 26th May
It's devastating that this is the last season of Bloodline. For the uninitiated, this Netflix drama is a modern day Shakespearean family tragedy set in the beautiful Florida Keys where, if you scratch the surface, nothing is quite as picturesque as it seems. Props to Kyle Chandler for (yet again) playing a dreamy dad.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins, 2nd May
You probably heard about The Girl On The Train, Paula Hawkins' last novel which experienced just a little bit of success in both the book and film world last year. Rather than relax on a pile of (well-earned) money, Hawkins has moved swiftly on and is now set to release Into the Water, her second novel. It's about a woman who drowns in a river which seems to have a long tradition of taking the lives of the local female population. Will the daughter and sister left behind be able to get the answers to their questions?
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Alice Casely-Hayford, Fashion & Beauty Editor
Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion at the V&A, from 27th May
I recently returned from a holiday in Getaria, the birthplace of one of the greatest designers and couturiers of the 20th century, Cristobal Balenciaga. I visited the museum in his hometown which had a beautiful collection of his works but am extremely excited for the extensive upcoming exhibition at the V&A examining his work and legacy, his protégées and the contemporary designers inspired by his vision.
Giacometti at Tate Modern, from 10th May
I can't wait to see this retrospective of the iconic Swiss modern artist. Many may be familiar with his elongated, existential figures but this exhibition brings together over 250 works from plasters and drawings to bronze sculptures.
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Anna Jay, Art Director
Foam Talent, Beaconsfield Gallery Vauxhall, London, 18th May - 18th June
I look forward to Foam Talent every year; the Amsterdam gallery selects a pool of emerging photographers to feature in a special edition of the magazine, as well as a touring exhibition. Setting the tone for who's who in the photography world, it's always an anticipated shortlist. This year's artists include some personal favourites - Stefanie Moshammer, Nico Krijno, Felicity Hammond and Jack Davison.
Offprint London, Tate Modern, 19-21st May
Two photography events for me this month as it's Photo London too. Offprint has established itself as the destination event for the best in independent publishing. Spend a day or the opening evening perusing the crème de la crème of art books and interacting with the schedule of events, yet to be confirmed for this year.
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Sarah Raphael, Editorial Director
Twin Peaks Season 3, 22nd May
Master of the dark arts David Lynch has been whetting our appetites for cherry pie and season three of his thrilling series for some time now. Toying with our emotions by dropping out and then dropping back in, now, finally, we have something concrete: a date! Original cast members in the new series include Sheryl Lee as the presumably still-dead Laura Palmer and Kyle MacLachlan as Agent Cooper – you’ll understand why he is necessary if you’ve seen season 1 and 2, and, like us, have been hanging on this cliff since 1991 when the last episode aired. Get that coffee on the stove, folks.
SKAM Season 4, released throughout May
I can't stress enough how much everyone needs to watch Skam, the hit Norwegian teen drama that's so much better than Skins. Season 4 has just started and will be running throughout May; they release episodes sporadically so you have to keep up! The episodes are posted a few hours after they've been filmed so there's a real 'live' element and DIY aesthetic. You can follow all the characters on Instagram and Tumblr and they post links to watch it there with subtitles. Trust us, it's well worth the search.
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Rose Lander, Executive Assistant
Marika HackmanUK tour , from 18th May
Super cool, overly talented and seemingly eternally chilled, vocalist Marika Hackman is on tour with her latest album I'm Not Your Man. The first single, "Boyfriend", is a wickedly funny track that strikes back at any guy who doesn't take lesbian relationships seriously. If you know a guy who, as Marika sings, thinks "a woman needs a man to make her shout", definitely take them to this gig. They might just learn something.
American Gods on Amazon Prime Video, 1st May
I gave my boyfriend a Neil Gaiman novel at the very beginning of 0ur relationship. I don't think he's forgiven me yet for spoiling a major plot point when I gushed about it, but his love for Gaiman's writing made me sure he was the one for me. When I heard Amazon were adapting his novel American Gods, I was skeptical. But this show looks amazing, with killer casting like Ian McShane as Norse god Odin and Kristen Chenoweth as an overly chirpy personification of Easter.
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Katy Thompsett, Sub Editor
Lana Del Rey, Lust For Life, 26th May
It’s been a year and a half since Lana’s last full-length album, Honeymoon – darker and more desolate even than 2014’s Ultraviolence, it was the exact opposite of how you’d imagine two weeks in the Maldives post-nuptials going down. Now Lana’s back with Lust For Life and it sounds like we’re in for an altogether sunnier ride. First single “Love” layers the singer’s drowsy vocals over a sweeping instrumental, with lyrics conveying an indulgent – almost maternal – affection. I can’t wait to hear what the rest of the album has in store.
House Of Cards Season 5 on Netflix, 30th May
OK, so season three was a little off-kilter but the jewel in Netflix’s crown really pulled it back in season four, which saw Claire Underwood go toe-to-toe with scheming husband Frank in pursuit of her own political ambitions. The complex dynamic between these two power players drove the narrative towards a chilling (and, as it turned out, terrifyingly prescient) season finale that left audiences speculating over just how messed-up the relationship – and, by turn, the politics – could get.
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Natalie Gil, News Writer
Master of None Season 2 on Netflix, 12th May
I practically inhaled Aziz Ansari's book Modern Romance, an all-too-real exploration of dating and love in the digital age. And when his Netflix comedy series Master of None dropped shortly after, I was suitably hooked on that, too. Sure, it’s not laugh-out-loud funny, but Ansari’s take on love and identity is both sharp and heartwarming. Season 2 looks set to focus on newly-single Dev’s foray into dating – and I can’t wait to see what he learns.
Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami, 9th May
Haruki Murakami has admitted he finds writing novels challenging (which is surprising given he’s written so many of them). But short stories? To him, they’re a doddle. “If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting a garden,” he’s said. Accordingly, I’ve got high hopes for Men Without Women, his latest book. The collection of seven short stories delves into the lives of men who, for various reasons, find themselves alone. If you need me, I’ll be devouring it in the spring sunshine with a cold, stiff drink.
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Natasha Slee, Social Media Manager
Rooftop Film Club, various London venues, from 4th May
There is something so romantic and un-British about watching a movie in the open air, no? Rooftop Film Club kickstarts its programme on the 4th May with Mary Poppins, but what we’re REALLY excited about is the special Refinery29 screening of Lost In Translation on the 19th May. Tickets on sale now. Bring a blanket!
Photo London, Somerset House, 18-21st May
The UK’s biggest photo fair is back, cramming the walls of Somerset House with both established and emerging names. Come for an inspiration deluge and enough #art #photography #culture Instagram snaps to see you through the month. Look out for the super close-up, squidgy, glistening and sensual work of R29-fave Maisie Cousins.
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Sadhbh O'Sullivan, Social Media Assistant
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 3 on Netflix, 19th May
Honestly, I've found Netflix originals to be very hit and miss, but Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt makes me snort with laughter and is the one I will always recommend. If the teaser of Titus pulling a "Lemonade" is anything to go by, this third season will be as good, if not better, than the last.
McGlue by Ottessa Moshfegh, 25th May
Of all the books I read in 2016, Moshfegh's Eileen was a standout sucker punch of a novel. McGlue is actually her debut novel but is being published in the UK for the first time and I've no doubt it will be just as strange and haunting as Eileen.
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